Monday 26th November 2012.
Bella woke up to the sound of rain pouring outside, crashing against her bedroom window, making it impossible for her to sleep. She was awake every 10 minutes from 3 am, and it became progressively worse as time went on. By 6:30 Bella had to drag herself out of bed as it would have been more torturous to stay in bed and try to sleep, rather than wake up and get the day started.
When it got to quarter past seven, Bella had done everything she needed to before school, apart from putting her clothes on, with an hour to spare, so she decided to have a nap. But if she thought for a second she could get any sleep, she was wrong.
Although Paul barely crossed her mind this morning, he was all she could think about now. Busying herself was purposeful, so she could rid herself of the angst and turmoil expanding inside of her. She missed him dearly even though it had been a matter of hours. Bella dealt with things by focusing on something, putting all her effort into something. Now her mind was completely clear the unsettling thoughts were threatening to consume her.
Paul does have a very extreme temper, and he can become agitated over the slightest obstacle. He had improved in the time he had been with Bella, but it still happened occasionally. Bella knew how it worked, he was angry, then silent, then he apologised and they discussed it, yet she was still overcome with distress.
By the time she made it to school, she was completely wrung out-physically and emotionally. Stalking through school with an unwelcoming glare on her face, it was clear Bella did not want to converse with anyone(except Paul). Not even her friends bothered to speak to her, which didn't bother her in the slightest as she would have no idea what to say if they expressed any concern.
As soon as Bella became aware that Paul wasn't in school, she took her phone out of her pocket to text him.
Are you ok?
The mere thought of him not being in school sent her brain into overdrive. Assuming he was unwell, a million different illnesses crossed her mind. For every single possibility she thought of something she could do to help. Worrying herself sick, Bella glanced at her phone every five minutes for the rest of the day.
Tuesday 27th November 2012.
Disappointment stung Bella like a slap in the face when she woke up on Tuesday morning, reached for her phone and looked at it. No contact. None at all. Aching for some contact, Bella resolved that if she hadn't seen or head from him by six tonight, she was going to call him.
With this plan firmly set in her mind, Bella went about her day. She threw herself into her work, was completely focused on everything and didn't indulge in anything distracting. Positive comments just kept on coming from her teachers, they commended her on her absolute commitment to that days classes, and one even said he would be calling her father, just to let him know how excellent she had performed on that day.
By the time six o'clock rolled around, there was no sign and Bella was itching to call Paul. Bella dialled his number and waited. There was the dial tone. Paul never usually answered straight away, but he always answered. Except for this time.
Staring at her phone in disbelief, Bella tried to figure out what to do next. When it hit her that, she could just drop in. It didn't matter anymore if she came round unexpectedly, it was her second home.
Sylvia opened the door smiling, and when she saw Bella her smile faltered and her face fell momentarily before she replaced the unhappy look with a fake smile, reserved for people it is necessary to be nice to, and your great aunt who babbles on about the price of groceries.
"Hello honey!" Sylvia said, in an plasticky, forced tone of delight.
"Evening Sylvia, is it possible that I could see Paul please?" Bella replied.
"Oh dear, I'm very sorry but Paul has just left to do some errands for me!" Bella had to force her eyes not to narrow at this obvious lie.
"Isn't he unwell?" Bella retorted, her voice getting slightly sharp, showing her annoyance.
"It was only a 24 hour bug, he started to feel much better this afternoon and want to be up and moving, so I sent him to get a few bits for me! I'll let him know you came round!" Bella tried to reply, but Sylvia didn't pause and continued on. "Ok them, bye bye now. Lovely seeing you Bella, tell your father I said hello. Ok bye!" Sylvia said and before Bella even got a chance to talk, the door was shut in her face.
Bella knew there was something very wrong about this entire situation, and she was determined to find out what it was.